American journalist Jon Wertheim has been removed as an on-air analyst for the Tennis Channel due to a derogatory comment he made about Barbora Krejcikova's forehead. During the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Wertheim issued a statement on Sunday explaining that his comment was inadvertently broadcast after he joined the Tennis Channel's coverage via Zoom.
"In rehearsal, we were shown a graphic of a player who had just competed. It showed her at an angle that exaggerated her forehead," Wertheim wrote on X on Sunday. "A few moments later, I was instructed to frame up my Zoom. I looked at the low camera angle and joked that it made my forehead resemble the photo of the player in question. Someone in the control room chimed in, and I bantered back. Though this was a private rehearsal, this exchange inadvertently, and without context, made it to live air."
Wertheim acknowledged his mistake, stating, "I realize I am not the victim here. It was neither professional nor charitable nor reflective of the person I strive to be. I am accountable. I own this. I am sorry." The Tennis Channel issued a statement on Sunday announcing Wertheim's removal from on-air broadcasts and apologized to Krejcikova, who lost in the semi-finals of the WTA Finals to Zheng Qinwen.
Wertheim also reached out to the 2024 Wimbledon champion to apologize, writing on X, "I made some deeply regrettable comments off-air. I acknowledge them. I apologize for them." Krejcikova, a two-time grand slam champion and the world No 10, called for "respect and professionalism" from the media covering the sports world.
"You might have heard about the recent comments made on Tennis Channel during the WTA Finals coverage that focused on my appearance rather than my performance," Krejcikova wrote on X. "As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary. This isn't the first time something like this is happening in the sports world. I've often chosen not to speak up, but I believe it's time to address the need for respect and professionalism in sports media."
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